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United States Patent |
5,742,976
|
Bensussen
,   et al.
|
April 28, 1998
|
Holding device for an end of a hose in a vacuum apparatus
Abstract
A vacuum apparatus with a suction hose. The hose has a first end connected
to a suction inlet of the apparatus and an opposite second end removably
connected to a docking section on a housing of the apparatus. The docking
station has an aperture for receiving the second end. Located in the
aperture is a latch with a ring shaped section and an integral ejecting
spring. The latch also has a button section that extends through the
housing and is adapted to be depressed by a user. Pressing the button
section spreads the ring shaped section and allows the ejecting spring to
eject the second end of the hose from the docking station.
Inventors:
|
Bensussen; Bernard L. (Seymour, CT);
Gelb, Jr.; Joseph (Milford, CT)
|
Assignee:
|
Black & Decker Inc. (Newark, DE)
|
Appl. No.:
|
574064 |
Filed:
|
December 18, 1995 |
Current U.S. Class: |
15/323; 15/315; 15/327.2; 285/7; 285/317 |
Intern'l Class: |
A47L 009/24 |
Field of Search: |
15/323,327.1,327.2,377,315,327.6,327.7
285/7,307,317,375
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
883413 | Mar., 1908 | Mahony | 15/323.
|
1770669 | Jul., 1930 | Martinet.
| |
1827188 | Oct., 1931 | Burgess.
| |
2046684 | Jul., 1936 | Hoover | 15/323.
|
2260712 | Oct., 1941 | Harrison.
| |
2420866 | May., 1947 | Coss.
| |
2487470 | Nov., 1949 | Osborn.
| |
2665148 | Jan., 1954 | Humphrey et al.
| |
2832612 | Apr., 1958 | Coutts.
| |
3030650 | Apr., 1962 | Kiraly | 15/323.
|
3140886 | Jul., 1964 | Cotilla et al.
| |
3359020 | Dec., 1967 | O'Donnell.
| |
3480987 | Dec., 1969 | Schaefer | 15/323.
|
3870491 | Mar., 1975 | Friesen et al. | 285/7.
|
3896698 | Jul., 1975 | Aylott.
| |
3990727 | Nov., 1976 | Gallagher.
| |
4134605 | Jan., 1979 | Guhne et al. | 285/7.
|
4234262 | Nov., 1980 | Nakai et al.
| |
4512678 | Apr., 1985 | Bunker et al.
| |
4563789 | Jan., 1986 | Berfield | 15/323.
|
4711595 | Dec., 1987 | Magid et al.
| |
4819908 | Apr., 1989 | Norkey.
| |
4875715 | Oct., 1989 | Dennany, Jr. et al.
| |
4959885 | Oct., 1990 | Sovis et al. | 15/323.
|
5100182 | Mar., 1992 | Norkey et al.
| |
5125127 | Jun., 1992 | Bach et al. | 15/323.
|
5143476 | Sep., 1992 | Pruis.
| |
5213376 | May., 1993 | Szabo.
| |
5284369 | Feb., 1994 | Kitamura.
| |
5374088 | Dec., 1994 | Moretti et al.
| |
5406980 | Apr., 1995 | Allread et al.
| |
Foreign Patent Documents |
1948941 | May., 1970 | DE | 15/323.
|
Primary Examiner: Moore; Chris K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Deutsch; Barry E.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a vacuum apparatus having a housing, a motor, an impeller, a hose,
and a latch removably holding an end of the hose to the housing, wherein
the improvement comprises:
the latch comprising an oval one-piece member with a ring shaped section,
said oval ring-shaped section being spread by contact with an outer
surface of said hose as said hose is placed into said ring-shaped section,
at least a portion of said ring-shaped section moving into locking
engagement with the outer surface of said hose, and an integral spring for
ejecting the end of the hose from inside the ring-shaped section when the
ring-shaped section is deformed when in locking engagement with the outer
surface of said hose.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the latch is comprised of a molded
polymer material.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the spring comprises an arm that is
cantilevered from the ring shaped section.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the arm has a general "Y" shape.
5. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the latch further comprises a button
section on top of the ring-shaped section, said button section being moved
inwardly for deforming said ring-shaped section when in locking engagement
position.
6. In a vacuum apparatus having a housing, a motor, an impeller, a hose,
and a holding device for removably holding an end of the hose to the
housing, wherein the improvement comprises:
the holding device includes a first section for holding the end of the hose
to the holding device said first section having a generally oval-shape
which is outwardly resiliently deflected when the end of the hose in
inserted into the generally oval-shaped first section by engagement with
the outer surface of said hose, at least a portion of said oval-shaped
section moving into locking engagement with the outer surface of said hose
and a cantilevered spring arm extending from the first section which is
suitably sized and shaped to push on a leading edge of the end of the hose
when inserted into the first section, when the oval-shaped section is
deformed when in locking engagement with the outer surface of said hose.
7. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the holding device is a one-piece
member having the spring arm integral with the first section.
8. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the holding device is comprised of a
molded polymer material.
9. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the spring arm has a general "Y"
shape.
10. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the first holding device further
comprises a button section on top of the first section, said button
section being moved inwardly for deforming said first section when in
locking engagement position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to connectors and, more particularly, to a
connector for a hose of a vacuum apparatus.
2. Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 2,665,148 discloses a vacuum cleaner with a clamping wire and
button for locking behind a sleeve of a coupling member. The coupling
member has a spring that is compressed when the coupling member is
inserted into the socket. The spring assists in pushing the coupling
member cut of the socket during disconnection. U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,088
discloses a securing ring with two pressure plates. U.S. Pat. No.
5,100,182 discloses a spring in the female housing. U.S. Pat. No.
3,140,886 discloses a spring with four legs. Other relevant U.S. patents
include the following:
______________________________________
U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,980
U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,369
U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,376
U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,476
U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,715
U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,908
U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,595
U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,678
U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,262
U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,727
U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,698
U.S. Pat. No. 3,359,020
U.S. Pat. No. 2,832,612
U.S. Pat. No. 2,487,470
U.S. Pat. No. 2,420,866
U.S. Pat. No. 2,260,712
U.S. Pat. No. 1,827,188
U.S. Pat. No. 1,770,669
______________________________________
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a latch for
removably connecting an end of a first member to a second member is
provided comprising a ring and a spring arm. The ring has a center
aperture for receiving the end of the first member therein. The spring arm
is directly connected to the ring and is suitably located and shaped to be
deflected by insertion of the end of the first member into the center
aperture of the ring. The spring arm exerts a force against the end of the
first member reverse to the direction of insertion of the end of the first
member into the center aperture of the ring.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a vacuum
apparatus having a housing, a motor, an impeller, a hose, and a latch
removably holding an end of the hose to the housing, the improvement
comprises the latch comprising a one-piece member with a ring-shaped
section that surrounds the end of the hose and an integral ejecting spring
for ejecting the end of the hose from inside the ring shaped section.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a vacuum
apparatus having a housing, a motor, an impeller, a hose, and a holding
device for removably holding an end of the hose to the housing, the
improvement comprises the holding device having a first section for
holding the end of the hose to the holding device and a cantilevered
spring arm extending from the first section which is suitably sized and
shaped to push on a leading edge of the end of the hose when inserted into
the first section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are
explained in the following description, taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum apparatus incorporating features
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with its hose
removed from its storage position and having an attachment connected to
the free end of the hose;
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken
along line 3--3;
FIG. 3A is a schematic plan top view of the lower housing member shown in
FIG. 3;
FIG. 4A is a partial cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1
taken along line 4A--4A;
FIG. 4B is a perspective view with a partial cut away section of the
latching member shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C is a plan top view of the latching member shown in FIG. 4B;
FIG. 4D is a side elevational view of the latching member shown in FIG. 4B
with a partial cut away section;
FIG. 4E is a schematic view of the connection of an end of the hose to a
latch in the housing;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a latching
member shown with a partial cut away section; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a latching
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a vacuum
apparatus 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Although the
present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments
shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention
may be incorporated into various different alternative embodiments. In
addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could
be used.
Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus 10 generally comprises a
housing 12, a vacuum generating system having a motor 14 and an impeller
16, and a hose 18. The housing 12 has a general circular disk shape with a
base 20, a lower housing member 22, an upper housing member 24, and a
movable lid 26. In a preferred embodiment the housing is made of plastic.
The base 20 is suitably shaped to be placed on a table top or floor. The
base 20 is fixedly attached to the bottom of the lower housing member 22.
The base 20 includes a perimeter skirt 28 that extends around the entire
apparatus. The skirt 28 has a downwardly and outwardly sloped top surface.
The lower housing member 22 has a main receiving area 30 for receiving the
motor 14 and the impeller 16. The lower housing member 22 has air path
directing walls 36 located at the bottom of the receiving area 30. The
perimeter side wall of the lower housing 22 has an outward step 32 with a
plurality of holes 34 therethrough. The holes 34 extend around
substantially the entire side perimeter of the apparatus 10. Referring
also to FIG. 3A, a schematic plan top view of the lower housing member 22
is shown. The walls 36 extend radially outwardly from the center of the
lower housing member 22. Thus, the distance or area A between adjacent
walls 36 increases further from the center. Located in one corner is a
handle section 48. Extending around the rest of the lower housing member
22 is an upwardly facing curved ledge 50.
Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the upper housing member 24 is fixedly
attached to the lower housing member 22. The upper housing member 24
includes a center basket section 38 and a downward extending circular wall
40. The center basket section 38 has a middle section 42 with multiple
apertures therethrough. In an alternate embodiment the middle section 42
could be replaced by a screen or mesh member attached to the basket
section 38. Mounted through the side wall of the basket section 38, on one
side, is a bag and hose coupling 44. The top of the basket section 38 and
the top of the coupling 44 have channels that hold a seal 46 for the lid
26. The upper housing member 24 has a downwardly facing curved ledge 52.
The ledge 52 is in registry with the ledge 50 of the lower housing member
22 to form a hose receiving area 54 (see FIG. 2). The hose receiving area
54 extends along about 75% of the circumference or side perimeter of the
housing 12. One corner of the upper housing member 24 also has a handle
section 56 (see FIG. 1) that mates with the handle section 48 of the lower
housing member 22 to form a handle 57 for the apparatus 10.
Stationarily connected to the upper housing member 24 are a front cover 58
and a hinge support 60. The front cover 58 has a spring loaded lid release
button 62 mounted to it. A motor speed control is located under the front
cover 58 and includes a slidable controller actuator 64. The lid 26 is
movably attached to the hinge support 60 by a hinge (not shown). The front
of the lid 26 has a notch 66. The button 62 has a latch 68. As seen in
FIG. 3, with the lid 26 in a closed position and the button 62 not
depressed, the latch 68 is located in the notch 66 to retain the lid 26 at
its closed position. When the button 62 is depressed by a user, the latch
68 moves out of the notch 66. This allows the lid 26 to move from its
closed position. Releasing the button 62 and moving the lid 26 back to its
closed position results in the latch snap-locking into the notch 66 again.
The lid 26 also has a downward extending wall 70. The wall 70 makes
contact with the seal 46 to enclose the top of the basket 38. This forms
an area 72 in which a collection bag 74 is located. The lid 26 can be
opened to empty or replace the bag 74.
The lower and upper housing members 22,24 also form two receiving areas in
the side of the housing 12 on opposite ends of the handle 57; a first
receiving area 76 and a second receiving area 78. The first receiving area
76 is adapted to removably receive a first end 80 of the hose 18. The
first end 80 of the hose 18 has a snap-lock latch with two deflectable
cantilevered arms 82,83. The arms 82,83 have finger contact areas 84 and
latch sections 86. The latch sections 86 engage notches 88 in the housing
members 22,24 to prevent unintentional removal of the first end 80 of the
hose 18. However, a user can press the two finger contact areas 84 towards
each other to unlatch the latch sections 86 from inside the notches 88 and
thereby allow removal of the first end 80 from the housing 12. When the
first end 80 of the hose 18 is connected to the housing 12 a leading end
90 of the hose is located in one end of the coupling 44. An entrance of
the bag 74 is attached to the opposite end of the coupling 44.
The second receiving area 78 is provided for a second end 92 (see FIG. 2)
of the hose 18. As seen in FIG. 4A, located in the second receiving area
78 is a latch member 94. Referring also to FIGS. 4B, 4C and 4D, in the
embodiment shown the latch member 94 is a one-piece member made of a
resilient plastic or polymer material. The latch member 94 has a first
generally ring shaped section 96 and a second cantilevered arm section 98.
The ring section 96 has a general oval shape with a button section 100 at
its top. The button section 100 extends through an aperture 102 in the
upper housing member 24 (see FIG. 1). The cantilevered arm section 98, in
the embodiment shown, extends from the bottom of the ring section 96 and
branches into two limbs 104,105 to form a general "Y" shape. The ends of
the limbs 104,105 have contact areas 106 for contacting a leading edge of
the second end 92 of the hose 18.
The latch member 94 is located in the second receiving area 78 with the
cantilevered arm section 98 in the back of the area 78. Thus, when the
second end 92 of the hose 18 is inserted into the area 78 it must first
pass through the ring section 96 to contact the contact areas 106 of the
cantilevered arm 98. Referring also to FIG. 4E, a schematic view of the
second end 92 of the hose 18 is shown connected to the latch member, which
is shown in cross-section. The second end 92 of the hose 18 has an annular
recess or depression 108. As seen with reference to FIG. 4A, when the
second end 92 is inserted into the ring section 96, the sides of the ring
section spread apart and then snap back inwardly when they come into
registry with the annular recess 108. This locks the second end 92 in the
second receiving area 78. The second receiving area 78 thus forms a type
of docking station for the second end 92. The contact surfaces 106 of the
cantilevered arm 98 are located inside the ring section 96. As seen in
FIG. 4E, when the second end 92 of the hose is inserted through the ring
section 96 its leading edge 110 contacts the contact surfaces 106 and
deflects the cantilevered arm 98 backwards. Because the two ends 80,92 of
the hose 18 are both connected to the housing 12, the hose 18 is able to
be retained at its storage position in the hose receiving area 54 along
the side perimeter of the housing. In order to release the second end 92
of the hose a user presses down on button section 100 as indicated by
arrow B in FIG. 4A. The sides of the ring section 96 spread apart as
indicated by arrows C. This releases the locking engagement of the ring
section 96 in the annular recess 108. At this point, with the locking
engagement ended, the cantilevered arm 98 deflects back to its normal
position and pushes the second end 92 in direction D shown in FIG. 4E.
This ejects the second end 92, at least partially, to end registration
between the annular recess 108 and the ring section 96. Thus, the latch
member allows a one-handed disconnection of the second end 92 from the
latch member 94 by merely pressing on the button section 100. A user does
not need to use two hands to press on the button section and pull the
second end 92 out of the area 78. In a preferred embodiment the
cantilevered arm 98 is adapted to eject the second end 92 entirely out of
the area 78. The latch member can be used in any suitable type of device;
not merely vacuum cleaners. In addition, the latch member could be used to
latch any suitable type of column shaped end of a member, with an annular
recess, to another member. In another alternate embodiment, the latch
member need not be provided in the vacuum cleaner 10.
Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are shown two alternate embodiments
of a latching member. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the latch member
112 has a cantilevered arm 114 that does not have branched limbs. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the latch member 116 has a spring section 118
that is not cantilevered from the ring section 120. The spring section 118
has a span 120 that extends across the ring section 120. The span 120 has
four cantilevered fingers 122. The fingers 122 have ends that are adapted
to be contacted and deflected by the leading edge of the second end of the
hose. In this embodiment the latch member 116 does not have a button
section. The button section could be provided separately. The spring
section could also be a separate member that is attached to the ring
section, but in a preferred embodiment the ring section, spring section
and button section are all part of a one-piece member. In alternate
embodiments, other types of docking stations and latching members or
mechanisms could be provided.
FIG. 1 also shows the hose 18 in its storage position on the housing 12.
More specifically, the hose 18 extends around the side perimeter of the
housing 12. As seen in FIG. 3, the hose 18 is located in the receiving
area 54 and projects out of the receiving area 54. The hose extends
partially out of the hose receiving area along substantially its entire
length. The hose 18 thus forms the outer most portion of the apparatus 10
along about 75% of its circumference or side perimeter. This has been
intentionally designed such that the hose 18, in its storage position, can
function as a bumper for the apparatus 10. It also provides a compact and
efficient storage area for the hose 18. In an alternate embodiment the
area 54 could have a spiral shape to allow the hose to wrap around the
housing more than once. The annular groove formed between the skirt 28 and
the step 32 also provides an area to wrap an electrical cord (not shown)
for storage purposes.
The apparatus 10 is specifically designed for use with animals, such as
dogs and cats. This intended use presents unique problems not present with
standard vacuum cleaners. Pets are often skittish of loud noises and
things that are taller than them. The apparatus 10 has been designed to
address these problems. More specifically, the height of the housing 12 is
preferably only about 7 inches tall. It has been found that the width of
the housing does not unduly frighten animals; it is the height that is
important. Thus, the apparatus is configured to minimize the height by
arranging the impeller parallel to the base with the bag 74 located above
it. The noise produced by the apparatus has also been significantly
reduced. In particular, as seen in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 has a noise
reduction system that includes two foam rings 130,132 that function as a
muffler; both to noise from the motor 14 and noise from air flow. In
addition to the rings 130,132, the air flow path of the air from the
impeller 16 to the exit apertures 34 has been uniquely designed to reduce
noise from the movement of the air. More specifically, as shown by air
flow lines E, as the air exits the impeller 16 it is redirected
180.degree. towards the motor 14. It is then redirected 90.degree. to pass
through the motor 14. This also acts to cool the motor. As the air exits
the motor 14 it is redirected 90.degree. in an outward radial direction.
Because the areas A (see FIG. 3A) increase the further away from the motor
14, air velocity decreases. Reducing the velocity of the air before it
exits the housing significantly reduces noise from exiting air. Thus, the
apparatus 10 uses the arrangement of the impeller in the center and the
air exit apertures radially spaced from the center to allow the air to be
slowed down inside the housing before it exits the housing. This is done
merely by providing an increasing cross-sectional air flow path as the air
moves towards the exit apertures 34. The air is redirected two more times
as it finally travels to the exit apertures 34 out of the housing 12.
Because the air flow path redirects the air from the impeller five times
at angles of 90.degree. or more, air velocity noise is further reduced.
The exiting air, as it exits the apertures 34, is directed downward so as
not to be directed directly towards an animal being groomed. Because the
apertures 34 extend around the entire perimeter of the housing 12, the
majority of the exiting air will always be directed away from the animal
being groomed. To further reduce noise the motor 14 is a brushless DC
motor. In addition, the impeller 16 has fan blades 17 that have a length
and curvature that extend along an arc of over 90.degree. of the impeller
16. In a preferred embodiment the fan blades 17 have a length and
curvature that extend along an arc of about 100.degree..
In a conventional vacuum cleaner for cleaning floors, the vacuum generating
system provides a suction or vacuum pressure of about 35 to 60 inches of
water. The apparatus 10, because it is to be used on animals, has been
specifically designed to provide a maximum vacuuming pressure of only
about 10 to 12 inches of water. Vacuum pressure of 10 to 12 inches of
water is generally equivalent to 693 to 832 feet of air, or 52 to 62.5
pounds per square foot, or 250 mm to 300 mm of water. Thus, the apparatus
10 has a suction that is only about one-half to one-third as strong as a
conventional floor vacuum cleaner. This has been selected because the
vacuum pull of the apparatus 10 is only intended to remove loose hair and
debris; not to have a strong vacuum suction that would harm an animal or
make the animal feel uncomfortable. Preferably, the sizes of the various
components of the vacuum apparatus are selected to provide an air flow at
the inlet to the hose of about 25 to 35 cfm (cubic feet per minute); such
as with an inlet diameter of the second end 92 of about 1.3 inches. In a
preferred embodiment the air flow rate is about 30 cfm. Volume of 25 to 35
cfm is generally equivalent to 0.75 to 1.05 m.sup.3 /min. (meters cubed
per minute). It has been found that the combination of a large air flow
(30 cfm) and low vacuum pressure (10 to 12 inches of water) provide
superior results in grooming animals without making the animals nervous
and skittish about being groomed. This combination of flow and vacuum
pressure is unique to animal vacuum groom devices. In alternate
embodiments slight changes with flow and vacuum pressure could be provided
such as .+-.10 cfm and/or .+-.1 inch of water. Preferably, as seen in FIG.
2, attachments such as the brush 134 will be attached to the second end 92
of the hose 18 to help remove loose hair and debris. Thus, the attachment
will contact the animal; not the inlet of the second end 92. Any suitable
type of attachment could be used.
Another feature of the present invention is in regard to the control for
the motor 14. The motor 14 is a variable speed motor. The actuator 64 (see
FIG. 1) is slidably mounted to the housing 12. In an alternate embodiment,
a rotatable knob could be used. Alternatively, any suitable type of
controller could be used. The actuator 64 is movable between an OFF
setting at marking 138 and a HIGH setting at marking 140. In order to set
the speed of the motor to a high speed, the actuator 64 must be moved
through lower speed settings before reaching the HIGH speed setting. This
is provided to further prevent frightening an animal by allowing the user
to gradually increase the speed of the motor. The variable speed motor 14
and variable controller 64 also allow the user to select a motor speed and
vacuum setting dependent upon the type of animal being groomed. For
example, a low setting could be selected for a puppy or kitten, and a high
setting could be used for larger animals such as a full grown dog or cat.
The user can also adjust the setting based upon the skittishness of the
animal being groomed.
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative
of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all
such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope
of the appended claims.
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